Senate finally debating state police bill today, 87 senators present

Senate don start the final debate on state police bill today around 2:50pm after closed-door session. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele lead the debate, and 87 senators dey present. That number pass the 73 required for two-thirds majority to pass constitutional amendment. The voting go be manual — each senator go stand up, introduce themselves, and declare their position publicly. Senate President Godswill Akpabio say this na so Nigerians go know who support or oppose state police.

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani dey chamber to observe. Even Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President, and NGF Director-General Lateef Shittu dey there. The bill already pass second reading on June 11 and House of Representatives pass their own version same day. President Tinubu send letter to Senate on Tuesday asking them to consider the bill quick, and he add extra provisions for safeguards. But only Kebbi South Senator Garba Maidoki don publicly oppose the bill — he say the timing wrong and lawmakers no get enough time to review 146 pages.

The whole thing still controversial. Some people fear governors go use state police to harass opponents and suppress press freedom. Supporters say na the only way to fix insecurity. But me I dey wonder — if governors wey dey now fit mismanage local government allocations, wetin go stop them from turning state police into their personal army? The bill still dey committee stage, and after Senate pass their version, dem go harmonise with House version before sending to president. This one go be interesting to watch.